Japanese Drama Review 19 - Hanayori Dango Episode 1 - Discouragement

For the second time in this episode we see Makino escape into a stairwell. She rushes to get away from the haughty wealthy young woman who belittle, mock and scorn her. They tell Makino ‘it looks like even your friend deserted you.’ We already know she did – she walked away from Makino – we saw that! It must have been very hurtful to Makino. Her tormenters continue, ‘you were an eyesore from the very beginning’, and they conclude with ‘you’re just a freakin’ commoner, quit attending Eitoku. Get the hell out of here! You’re dirt poor!’

As Makino closes the stairwell door, she walks slowly and deliberately down the stairs – she is clearly hurt and frustrated by all that has occurred. ‘Damn it, damn it, damn it,’ she mutters, and sits down on the stairs.

My heart hurt for Makino as I watched how nasty the Eitoku students were to her – and my concern for her escalated as I noticed the effect the nastiness and vitriolic words had on her. How could I help Makino at this moment? What could I say to help her discern the correct understanding of the moment – of the words said to her? We know that ill-spoken words can affect us greatly – they can change the way we think about all of life. They can change the direction of our lives. I did not want this to occur with Makino. She needs to shake off the words. She needs to leave them where they belong. They belong within the hearts of those who spoke them.

Although the scorning of Makino was intended to make determining statements as to who and what she is - little did the spoilt, indulged girls realize their scorning made definitive statements about them - and not about Makino. Their extreme contempt and disdain for Makino stemmed from a belief they were superior to her. They considered their opinion as the one that counted. They despised Makino’s status – being poor. They truly believed their family wealth entitled them to a sense of worthiness and grandeur. And Makino tarnished their image. Her attendance at Eitoku diminished their worth.

These horrible encounters do not define Makino. I want her to know her true worth is found in Christ – He is worthwhile. Knowing these young women do not have the capacity to think differently about life should free Makino of the impact of their words. Her heavy heart should be lifted, freeing her to express compassion towards her tormentors.

If you like Makino are struggling with harsh and unkind events – reason them Biblically – be set free from them. Allow Truth to explain your experiences, and to define you!

• Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:3-5).

• Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell (James 3:4-6).

• If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

#bullied #wisdom #Bible